Methamphetamines are addictive and powerful stimulant drugs that increase activity in parts of the brain and central nervous system. Because it is so addictive, meth addiction treatment programs are a necessity for people wishing to reclaim their lives.
There are two kinds of methamphetamines. There is a prescription medication called Desoxyn, that can be prescribed to treat ADHD and obesity, however, it’s not commonly used. Another form of methamphetamine is “meth” or “crystal meth”, which are illicit, synthetic forms of the drug that are widely abused today. Illicit “meth” and “crystal meth” are created in illegal laboratories and are fairly cheap to make.
Would you like to learn more about substance abuse treatment programs? Call us today at 866.931.6429.
How Does Meth Affect the Brain?
Dopamine is a feel-good neurotransmitter in the brain that is responsible for pleasure and satisfaction as part of the reward system. It boosts mood, motivation, attention, and helps to regulate learning, emotional responses, and movement.
Methamphetamine stimulates the central nervous system. It also causes a rapid release of high levels of dopamine, in the reward centers of the brain, leaving the user craving more and more of the drug.
How Is Meth Abused?
People use methamphetamine in different ways. It can either be smoked, snorted, swallowed (in the form of a pill), or injected. The actual “high” part of methamphetamine use starts rapidly and fades rather quickly, so this causes repeated use of the drug. Often people will binge on methamphetamines and stay up for days at a time, not eating or sleeping. Users will then crash for long periods and then get up and repeat the same behavior.
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Short-Term Effects of Meth Use
Methamphetamine use has some of the same side effects as other stimulants. Here is a list of some the short-term effects:
- Elevated heart rate
- Decreased appetite
- Increased wakefulness
- Increased activity
- Elevated blood pressure
- Increased body temperature
- Increased respiration or breathing
- Tolerance
- Dependence
Prolonged methamphetamine use can lead to tolerance, dependence, and addiction. Once dependence develops, the brain changes how it functions and compulsive drug-seeking behavior occurs. The person using, in a sense, loses control of their use. These are signs of addiction.
Addiction creates a whole other level of problems from social to emotional, physical, and behavioral issues. Relationships, jobs, family, finances, amongst several other things, suffer.
Long-Term Effects of Meth Use
Long-term meth use can cause a vast array of mental and physical issues. Those that inject methamphetamine are at risk of contracting HIV and Hepatitis B and C. These diseases are passed through the blood and other bodily fluids. Those that actively use are usually involved in risky type behaviors because their judgment is altered. That can lead to the sharing of needles and unprotected sex which is how they are transmitted.
Some of the other problems that long-term meth use can cause can include:
- Memory Loss
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Delusions
- Coordination, Movement, and
- Motor Issues
- Severe Weight Loss
- Confusion
- Sleeping Problems
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations
- Violent Behavior
- Picking or Scratching Sores
Long-term use of methamphetamine can also cause severe dental issues—this is known as “meth mouth.” Methamphetamine abuse leads to severe dental decay.
Our Meth Addiction Treatment Program
Meth addiction and abuse have become a widespread problem. If you believe that you or someone you love may have a methamphetamine addiction, the first step would be to call us to set up an appointment for an assessment. You or your loved one would then likely be admitted into a medically supervised methamphetamine detox. Meth, like most other illicit stimulants, takes a toll on your body after long-term abuse. Our meth addiction treatment program will get you on the road to healing.
You will have a team of doctors and professionals routinely working with you through the detox process to keep you as comfortable as possible. They will also observe and assess you for any potential mental health disorders you may be suffering from. A lot of individuals with stimulant addictions have coexisting mental health issues that have been left untreated.
Meth Addiction Treatment at Evoke Wellness at Cohasset
At our meth rehab center in Massachusetts, we rely on evidence-based treatment to help you through the recovery process. We provide different forms of therapy to help you gain long-lasting recovery. Each person that comes through our doors receives an individualized treatment plan as recovery is not a one size fits all approach.
Our admissions counselors are available around the clock and will provide you with a detailed explanation of how to be admitted into our meth addiction treatment programs. Our specialists can help you with costs, bed availability, and which insurance plans we accept as well as make arrangements for admission. We do offer methamphetamine addiction treatment in various formats. These programs are available for women, men, and young adults.
Reclaim Your Life From Meth Addiction
We understand that the treatment process can be difficult at times. At Evoke Wellness at Cohasset, we are committed to assisting you in making progress toward a new life free from the grips of addiction. Call us today at 866.931.6429 for help.
